What is a cue sheet?

In order for ASCAP to distribute royalties to you for performances of your music in television and film, we must receive a cue sheet.

A cue sheet is a schedule of the music contained in a film or television program and is the essential document for ASCAP to distribute royalties for musical performances in audio-visual media. It is typically prepared by the production company and delivered to ASCAP and lists the following pieces of information:

the title of the music performed;

the way in which the music was performed (e.g., visual instrumental, vocal, background instrumental or vocal);

the duration of the performance; and

the entitled party information (i.e. the composers and publishers) and their respective ownership shares.

Deadlines for Submission of Cue Sheets

Distribution Dates

Submission Deadline

December 2018 / January 2019 distributions

October 12, 2018

March 2019 / April 2019 distributions

January 11, 2019

June 2019 / July 2019 distributions

April 12, 2019

September 2019 / October 2019 distributions

July 12, 2019

December 2019 / January 2020 distributions

October 13, 2019

ASCAP distributes royalties for performances approximately six (6) months after the broadcast performance (click here to review the ASCAP Distribution Schedule). The schedule above (Deadlines For Submission Of Cue Sheets) indicates when a cue sheet must be received by ASCAP in order for ASCAP to process it for the appropriate quarterly distribution.

If you have not received royalties for a television or film performance of your work, you should notify ASCAP by submitting a Member Service Inquiry via Member Access (use the Category, "My Performances" and the Topic, "Domestic Television Claim"). Please provide as much information as possible (e.g. program, work title, station(s), performance dates, etc.) to ensure ASCAP staff can research your claim thoroughly and respond to your Inquiry. For additional information about television and film performance royalties, please read the articles below.